Rocé unveiled his latest album nearly 20 years ago, to be more precise, 17 years ago. This year, he’s making a strong comeback with the project “Bitume,” set to be released on November 17th. An artist committed to social issues and possessing a pen as caustic as it is fantastic, Rocé is the author of “Je chante la France,” a track that resonates strongly in the current context. There are already two tracks available on his YouTube channel, including the famous “Don’t Believe the Hype.”
Rocé returns with force with “Don’t Believe the Hype!”
By taking on the title of a classic by Public Enemy, to whom we also owe the iconic “Fight Da Power,” Rocé recontextualizes French rap within its original context. In an era where extremist ideologies are prevalent, and as rap, inherently confrontational due to its DNA, moves further away from the spirit of its founding fathers to become more commercial and mellow. As Youssoupha once said, “Rock has lost its edge,” but what about rap?
Over an instrumental composition by Kofi, who is also an artist, which resonates almost like a military march with a powerful drumroll, the artist pays tribute to those who are revitalizing the Hip Hop movement.
The video, directed by Nicolas Wong-Ku and Momar NIANG with exceptional photography, takes us through the streets with genuine enthusiasts of French rap. We can notably spot the presence of Fiks Niavo in the crowd, who came to support the legendary rapper.